krmaxwell/gist:6373845

## gistfile1.txt
Thank you for contacting me regarding the National Security Agency (NSA) and related intelligence activities of the U.S. government.  I recognize the time and effort that you are dedicating to actively participate in the democratic process, and I appreciate that you and other concerned citizens have provided me the benefit of your comments on this important matter.

As you know, various laws provide law enforcement and intelligence officials with tools to investigate spies, terrorists, and foreign-based enemies of the United States.  At the same time, the Fourth Amendment to our Constitution guarantees privacy by protecting our homes, persons, and property from unreasonable government searches and seizures.  It is sometimes necessary to balance privacy interests against other important values, such as national security.  Though these questions are often difficult, members of Congress must always respect and obey the Constitution.

Privacy is an essential part of the freedom that makes America great.  It is the duty of members of Congress to uphold the protections of the Constitution while also ensuring the safety and security of Americans.  I have worked with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that relevant laws are constitutional and that government searches are no broader than necessary to protect our nation from the continuing threat of terrorism.

On June 14, 2013, I attended the classified briefing provided to Senators by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, NSA Director Keith Alexander, and other Obama Administration officials.  You may be certain that I take seriously the role of Congress in providing oversight of these programs, and that I have been and will continue to closely monitor the intelligence activities of the U.S. government.

I am always appreciative when Texans take the time to reach out and share their concerns.  Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator


517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

Please sign up for my monthly newsletter at http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/newsletter.

PLEASE NOTE:
Due to the nature of electronic communication, if you did not receive this e-mail directly from my office, I cannot guarantee that the text has not been altered.  If you have questions about the validity of this message, or would like to respond to this message, please use the web form available at my website, http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/contact.
	Thank you for contacting me regarding the National Security Agency (NSA) and related intelligence activities of the U.S. government. I recognize the time and effort that you are dedicating to actively participate in the democratic process, and I appreciate that you and other concerned citizens have provided me the benefit of your comments on this important matter.

	As you know, various laws provide law enforcement and intelligence officials with tools to investigate spies, terrorists, and foreign-based enemies of the United States. At the same time, the Fourth Amendment to our Constitution guarantees privacy by protecting our homes, persons, and property from unreasonable government searches and seizures. It is sometimes necessary to balance privacy interests against other important values, such as national security. Though these questions are often difficult, members of Congress must always respect and obey the Constitution.

	Privacy is an essential part of the freedom that makes America great. It is the duty of members of Congress to uphold the protections of the Constitution while also ensuring the safety and security of Americans. I have worked with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that relevant laws are constitutional and that government searches are no broader than necessary to protect our nation from the continuing threat of terrorism.

	On June 14, 2013, I attended the classified briefing provided to Senators by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, NSA Director Keith Alexander, and other Obama Administration officials. You may be certain that I take seriously the role of Congress in providing oversight of these programs, and that I have been and will continue to closely monitor the intelligence activities of the U.S. government.

	I am always appreciative when Texans take the time to reach out and share their concerns. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

	Sincerely,
	JOHN CORNYN
	United States Senator


	517 Hart Senate Office Building
	Washington, DC 20510
	Tel: (202) 224-2934
	Fax: (202) 228-2856
	http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

	Please sign up for my monthly newsletter at http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/newsletter.

	PLEASE NOTE:
	Due to the nature of electronic communication, if you did not receive this e-mail directly from my office, I cannot guarantee that the text has not been altered. If you have questions about the validity of this message, or would like to respond to this message, please use the web form available at my website, http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/contact.